What is a full mouth debridement?

Has your dentist recommended a full mouth debridement procedure?

If it’s been a while since your last dental check up, then it’s possible that your teeth might not be in great shape. Sometimes a dentist may recommend a procedure known as a full mouth debridement prior to a general cleaning. If you’re wondering what this is and why you may need this dental procedure, we’ll help answer some key questions.

What causes the need for to debride the mouth?

One of the reasons why it’s recommended to have regular dental cleanings is to remove the soft plaque and harder tartar buildup that can form in various places of the mouth. It’s only normal for a small amount of tartar build up to happen even if you’re brushing your teeth regularly.

However, if you’ve delayed going to see the dentist, the build up of plaque and tartar can be a bigger issue due to the longer time between dental exams. This means it can take a lot longer for the hygienist to remove the deposits of tartar that has formed on the teeth.

What is a full mouth debridement procedure?

A full mouth debridement is the procedure to remove the larger deposits of plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums. Dentists or hygienists will often use a hypersonic cleaning tool to debride or remove the tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth. This procedure can take longer than a regular dental exam depending on the amount of build up on a patients teeth.

Does insurance cover a full mouth debridement?

Since every dental insurance plan can be different, a full mouth debridement procedure may or may not be covered under the plan. It’s important to check with your provider to find out if your dental plan includes benefits for a debridement procedure.

There are some plans that do not include this coverage. However, it is usually a good idea to have a debridement procedure done even if you plan doesn’t include benefits. This dental service can be the first step towards getting your oral health back in check. Then you can schedule regular oral exams every six months to maintain and remove additional plaque build up.

Trust your dentist’s recommendations

If your dentist has recommended a full mouth debridement procedure, it’s probably for a good reason. It’s true that life can be busy and it can be tough to squeeze in visits to the dentist. However, these cleanings are important to maintaining your oral health, and you can be rewarded with a great smile for years to come when you follow your dentist’s guidance.